Molecular and morphological analyses of plants with ethnomedicinal uses in northeastern Peru

Background: In Peru, ethnomedicinal plants have not been extensively assessed in the current context of DNA-based techniques. Amazonas region, medicinal use for diarrhea and fever treatment are mainly known by local or traditional names, while their phenotypic plasticity limits proper morphological identification. Methods: this regard, selected with uses region were confirmed characterized using morphology multilocus phylogenies based on three molecular markers (ITS, matK, rbcL). Results: This study reported four species [Disciphania ernstii (Menispermaceae), Psidium fulvum (Myrtaceae), Styloceras penninervium (Buxaceae), Ugni myricoides (Myrtaceae)] distributed humid forest, at 1,000–3,800 masl region. The genetic that showed better resolution to distinguish genera ITS (Disciphania) matK (Psidium, Ugni, Styloceras). Conclusion: An initial screening regarding diversity was needed should include techniques these correctly identify them. approach will facilitate further evaluation ancestral knowledge Peru. Keywords: Amazonas, Buxaceae, DNA barcoding, ethnomedicine, Myrtaceae, Ranunculaceae